Matthew 26:47-56 - The Betrayal And Arrest Of Jesus

⁴⁷ He had scarcely finished speaking when Judas came--one of the Twelve--accompanied by a great crowd of men armed with swords and bludgeons, sent by the High Priests and Elders of the People. ⁴⁸ Now the betrayer had agreed upon a sign with them, to direct them. He had said, "The one whom I kiss is the man: lay hold of him." ⁴⁹ So he went straight to Jesus and said, "Peace to you, Rabbi!" And he kissed Him eagerly.

⁵⁰ "Friend," said Jesus, "carry out your intention." Then they came and laid their hands on Jesus and seized Him firmly. ⁵¹ But one of those with Jesus drew his sword and struck the High Priest's servant, cutting off his ear.

⁵² "Put back your sword again," said Jesus, "for all who draw the sword shall perish by the sword. ⁵³ Or do you suppose I cannot entreat my Father and He would instantly send to my help more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ In that case how are the Scriptures to be fulfilled which declare that thus it must be?"

⁵⁵ Then said Jesus to the crowds, "Have you come out as if to fight with a robber, with swords and bludgeons to apprehend me? Day after day I have been sitting teaching in the Temple, and you did not arrest me. ⁵⁶ But all this has taken place in order that the writings of the Prophets may be fulfilled." At this point the disciples all left Him and fled.

⁴³ Immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came and with him a crowd of men armed with swords and cudgels, sent by the High Priests and Scribes and Elders. ⁴⁴ Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. "The one I kiss," he said, "is the man: lay hold of him, and take him safely away." ⁴⁵ So he came, and going straight to Jesus he said, "Rabbi!" and kissed Him with seeming affection; ⁴⁶ whereupon they laid hands on Him and held Him firmly. ⁴⁷ But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck a blow at the High Priest's servant, cutting off his ear.

⁴⁸ "Have you come out," said Jesus, "with swords and cudgels to arrest me, as if you had to fight with a robber? ⁴⁹ Day after day I used to be among you in the Temple teaching, and you never seized me. But this is happening in order that the Scriptures may be fulfilled.' ⁵⁰ Then His friends all forsook Him and fled.

⁵¹ One youth indeed did follow Him, wearing only a linen cloth round his bare body. Of him they laid hold, ⁵² but he left the linen cloth in their hands and fled without it.

⁴⁷ While He was still speaking there came a crowd with Judas, already mentioned as one of the Twelve, at their head. He went up to Jesus to kiss Him. ⁴⁸ "Judas," said Jesus, "are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

⁴⁹ Those who were about Him, seeing what was likely to happen, asked Him, "Master, shall we strike with the sword?" ⁵⁰ And one of them struck a blow at the High Priest's servant and cut off his right ear.

⁵¹ "Permit me thus far," said Jesus. And He touched the ear and healed it. ⁵² Then Jesus said to the High Priests and Commanders of the Temple and Elders, who had come to arrest Him, "Have you come out as if to fight with a robber, with swords and cudgels? ⁵³ While day after day I was with you in the Temple, you did not lay hands upon me; but to you belongs this hour--and the power of darkness."